What We Know About The Mysterious Deaths Of 4 University Of Idaho Students So Far

On November 13th, 2022, four University of Idaho students were found dead inside a house near the college campus, which has led police in the city of Moscow, Idaho to launch a full investigation into what happened. Law enforcement believes that the students' deaths were homicides and that the crime was committed somewhere between 3 and 4 a.m., according to the Idaho Statesman.

Team Idaho Real Estate & Property Management informed the police that the home the students were in was under a 12-month lease that was signed on June 5th, after the police incorrectly stated that the house was divided into different apartments. The following Monday, all classes were canceled at the university, which has a student body of around 11,500 students, according to CNN. The president of the university, Scott Green, issued a statement Monday, saying, "Words cannot adequately describe the light these students brought to this world or ease the depth of suffering we feel at their passing under these tragic circumstances." 

The four students who were found deceased were Madison Mogen, a 21-year-old senior who was majoring in marketing and a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority; Ethan Chapin, a 20-year-old freshman who was majoring in recreation, sport, and tourism management who was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity; Xana Kernodle, a 20-year-old junior who was also a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and majored in marketing; and Kaylee Goncalves, a 21-year-old senior who was majoring in general studies and was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority, according to CNN.

The leading hypothesis for how the students were murdered was that a knife was most likely used, according to the Idaho Statesman. The Moscow Police Department came to this conclusion on November 15th, 2022, but as the investigation continues, this theory could change. This murderous event was also believed to have been planned and the students targeted, according to investigators at the scene, and all four students are considered to be victims of a crime. 

When police entered the scene on Sunday, a stay-in-place order was enforced for 90 minutes as police investigated the scene, and told students not to come near the area and stay indoors. However, the police now believe there is no other active threat to students on the campus and this was an isolated incident, according to the Idaho Statesman. As of this writing, there are some details that still remain hidden from public knowledge, such as who the original caller was, the reason for the crime, who (if any have been found) are the suspects, and if any of the victims were living in the house.

Authorities encourage anyone to call the Moscow Police Department if you have any additional information about this crime. GoFundMe fundraisers have been made for three of the victims' families, with the Mogen and Goncalves having combined fundraising contributions of $40,000, and the Kernodle family receiving up to $15,000 as of this writing, according to the Idaho Statesman. Meanwhile, answers will hopefully come with time as the authorities gain more intel as to what happened.